Athletics' R.J. Alvarez hoping to win a spot in the bullpen

by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com

(2/24/15) Athletics pitcher R.J. Alvarez is hoping to win a spot in the team's bullpen this spring, according to the Bay Area News Group.

Alvarez was acquired by the club in the Derek Norris deal during the offseason, and is hoping to make an impact immediately. The A's currently have five spots open in the bullpen, and Alvarez believes he can fill one of those roles. "I’m aggressive and I’ll pitch that way all spring," he said. "But this is a good group competing here. It’s going to be a good bullpen, no matter who makes it. Just to have a chance is a great thing."

The 23-year-old posted a 1.25 ERA over three minor-league levels last year.

Report: Athletics sending Derek Norris to Padres

After dealing Yasmani Grandal to Los Angeles in the Matt Kemp deal, the Padres were in need of a new backstop. It didn't take long for them to replace Grandal, as the team acquired Norris shortly after the Kemp deal went through.

Pitcher Seth Streich will also head to the Padres in the deal, according to FoxSports.com The 23-year-old posted a 3.16 ERA over 114 innings in High A last season.

The 25-year-old Norris is coming off a season in which he hit .270/.361/.403 over 385 at-bats. Norris is under team control through the 2018 season.

R.J. Alvarez's elbow 'checks out fine'

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(5/29/14) Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto told reporters that pitching prospect R.J. Alvarez's elbow "checked out fine" on Thursday, the Los Angeles Times reports. Alvarez was shut down due to elbow tenderness and sent to Anaheim in mid-May. He remains without a timetable for return.